People for animals. Animals for people.
Annual Report
July 1, 2010 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; June 30, 2011

Dear friends,
If there are just two words to describe our 2010 to 2011 year, they
are heroism and activism.
This year we celebrated Hawaii’s largest rescue of more than 150
dogs from a Waimanalo breeder. Despite the resources of time,
money and expertise required to care for these dogs and nearly 80
puppies, we refused to compromise any of our services. Our mission
has gone mobile with unprecedented special event adoptions
to bring our animals closer to you. We offered more assistance
to underserved communities including outreach to Waianae and
Waimanalo. And we developed stronger ties with special populations
such as the military.
Staff, volunteers and donors have risen to the many challenges
we faced this year. Our passion has helped us through and it’s no
wonder the Humane Society was named one of “Hawaii’s Best Places
to Work” in 2011.
In these tough economic times, we are amazed at the generous
spirit of donors, volunteers, businesses and welfare groups.
Thanks to you we are helping more animals than ever before – in
every Oahu community from Kapolei to Kahuku and Waimanalo to
Waianae.
May this report stand as a legacy to your contributions.
With Aloha,

Norman M. Noguchi
Chairman of the Board

Pamela Burns
President & CEO

People for animals. Animals for people.
For more than 100 years, the Hawaiian Humane
Society has served as a focal point of Oahu’s
animal community and plays an ever-evolving role as
mediator on the changing relationship between
people and animals. In its early days,
the Society primarily helped working animals and
unwed mothers; adopted out children; and cared for
those with mental illness. Our mission
of creating a “humane society” has always been
about people as much as animals.

Priceless adoptions
National studies have revealed that in a downturned economy, adoption price can affect the
volume of adoptions but does not affect a family’s commitment to provide a loving home for life.
This year we wrestled with an increase in homeless animals and offered our most creative
promotions to prevent a decrease in adoptions. Nearly 1,000 more animals were adopted than the
year prior. Fifty percent off. Pick Your Pet & Pick Your Price.
Valentine’s Day Doggie Speed Dating in the Park. Priceless
Pets. You name it — we did it this year. Adoptions were free on
many occasions and donations paid for the more than $250 in
services that we invest in every animal.

Creating Families

Innovative promotions coupled with ambitious expansion
meant a banner year for adoptions. Companies, run by animal lovers such as Mike McKenna’s
Windward Ford, opened their doors as pet adoptions venues. The local auto dealership helped
place more than 50 pets with families.
This year Oahu also witnessed change in the pet marketplace. Committed to only partnering with
rescue groups for cat and dog sales, PETCO strengthened its community presence with a new
store in Kaneohe. Humane Society dogs are available at PETCO Kapolei and Kaneohe. In addition,
a major pet store chain that was the largest importer of puppies closed its doors. Meanwhile,
stores like Calvin & Susie opened for business — selling pet supplies only.

17% increase
in adoptions

Nine was rescued from a Waimanalo residence where her owners
bound her muzzle with tape as a training technique to keep her
off the grass. We negotiated for the family to relinquish her to our
custody where we rehabilitated her in foster care. She now resides
with the Langan family of Honolulu who adore her. “She’s the most
special, gentle dog I’ve ever known,” said John Langan. “She’s just
a sweetheart and everyone who meets her loves her.”

Adoptions

6,734

Cats

2,646

Dogs

3,480

Small Animals

44

608

Who rescued who?
Four-year-old Mumu, a loving and calm companion, started her relationship with the Humane
Society when she came to us as a stray from Aiea Heights in February 2010. We were ecstatic when
she was adopted out, saddened when she was returned, thrilled when she was adopted once more,
and heartbroken when she was returned again.
For months, Mumu resided at the Humane
Society — watching as other dogs were
adopted. Yet she maintained her sweet
disposition. Finally, in October, Chris
Glarrow saw what we all saw in her.
Chris suffers from anxiety and his doctor
recommended an animal companion to
help with his medical condition. He chose
to adopt.
“I wanted to give a dog a second chance,”
says Chris, a former United States Marine.
“Every time I walked by her she would
look at me, not at anyone else. She
couldn’t take her eyes off of me. She’s
amazing. I love her.”
When Chris retired and moved to
Alabama, his temporary housing would
not allow his dog in quarters so Mumu resided with a Humane Society foster care provider. And now
the two make volunteer visits to retirement homes and other veterans in Alabama. Mumu has since
become certified as a Good Canine Citizen and as a service and therapy dog.
“She gets me out to play. She runs circles around me,” says Chris. Mumu has changed Chris’ life, just
as he did hers.
This year we expanded our adoptions events in the
military community from Schofield to Pearl Harbor
and placed hundreds of animals with active duty and
retirees. In addition, we expanded our education and
outreach to these families through veterinarian clinics
and community events.

There is no time limit that we’ll keep a pet available for adoption. In times of
critical capacity, foster homes pitch in and we host adoptions specials.

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About Adoptions

Rescuing & Protecting
Oahu’s animals

Justice in fighting crimes against animals is only as successful as our partnership is strong with
law enforcement agencies and the Prosecutor’s Office. This year Oahu residents welcomed Keith
Kaneshiro to Office and we couldn’t have found a stronger champion for justice.
Kaneshiro said he would aggressively prosecute any case involving animal cruelty. “People who
are cruel to animals are also cruel to other people. Animals deserve protection. They can’t protect
themselves,” said Kaneshiro.
The Humane Society’s conviction rate is 99% with its animal cruelty cases. However, in every case,
we walk a fine line between education and enforcement, exercising both based on what’s best for
the animals. Even with tougher laws in place, our influence as partners with pet owners often yields
far better results for the animals than a citation. Our goal is to keep pets and people together and
encourage the highest standards of animal care and compassion.
Our humane investigators are helping animals island wide — traveling 181,025 miles in response to
15,069 calls for service. Whenever you see our rescue trucks in your neighborhood, we’re saving a
life and teaching owners how to be the best caregiver they can be.
This year we brought national animal law experts to Hawaii for statewide training of our own
investigators, as well as police officers and the Prosecutor’s Office. In addition, the Humane Society
established a program to train the Honolulu Police Department’s new recruits in animal law.

Calls for Help

15,803

Rescues & Emergencies

1,827

Cruelty Investigations

1,543

Loose & Aggressive Dogs

2,160

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Freedom from puppy mills â&#x20AC;Ś just isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t free
Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s our four-legged friends who most need us to stand up for them. The Humane Society will spend
whatever it costs to save the lives of those who are mistreated.
On February 28, 2011 Honolulu Police
Department was investigating a barking
dog complaint and found animals
in deplorable living conditions in a
Waimanalo puppy mill. A German shepherd
had just given birth in a kennel with other
dogs. With overgrown coats, shih tzus
and poodles dragged their matted hair
across urine in their cramped housing.
Water bowls were muddied with filth. Flies
swarmed about unsanitary kennels.
Care had deteriorated to the point where
the operator was irrefutably in violation of
the law.
More than 230 dogs have been in our care
and custody. The cost of care for these
animals has totaled more than $450,000.

Veronica Lum was
so happy to be able
to adopt Annie after
months of caring
for her as a foster
parent.

7

Statewide survey finds buying a

puppy can be risky business

The Hawaiian Humane Society conducted a statewide
study to determine the scope of issues relating to the
purchase of puppies.
Through an online survey we invited all dog owners to
share their concerns relating to pet acquisition whether they
bought their dog from hobby or commercial breeders, pet
shops, internet sales, roadside sales or other places.
92% of respondents were Oahu residents with 8% from the
neighbor islands. Nearly 44% purchased their dog from an
online or retail outlet such as a pet store or on Craigslist. And
nearly 24% acquired their dog from a hobby or large-scale
breeder.
The majority (43%) purchased their dog for less than $350
followed by 23% of respondents having paid between $500 and
$1,000. About 23% paid $1,000 or more for their dog.
30% reported having issues with their dog following the purchase. 32% of those reported spending
$2,000 or more to address the issues. Some of the most common issues reported are as follows:
hip dysplasia, skin disorders, infections and heart worms. About 7% attempted to return the dog to
the seller. In terms of having an authority to go to for issues, approximately 38% just dealt with the
issues and 18% did not realize there was any agency that could help.
Survey findings also affirmed
that the public supports
regulation. 98% believes
large-scale breeding
operations should be licensed
and that inspectors should be
allowed reasonable access.

During the 2011 Legislative session a bill to regulate large-scale breeders was deferred to allow the state to
explore the need. Senator Clayton Hee and Representative Blake Oshiro introduced the bills that applied only
to large-scale operations and required certain standards in regards to food, water, veterinary care, shelter,
space and exercise. It also requires reasonable access for inspectors. Most legislators voted in favor of such
regulation and constituents statewide supported it. These bills did not pass so that government agencies could
explore regulation.
The Honolulu Star Advertiser voiced its endorsement in its March 2011 editorial: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tightening laws against
appalling conditions in cruel puppy mills would be a positive step toward reducing inhumanity to animals.â&#x20AC;?
88

Hawaiian Humane Society reaches out
The Humane Society’s outreach programs bring people and animals together in creative ways and
strengthens the human-animal bond.
What can brighten the day of a child going through chemotherapy or
the hospice patient with no one to visit them? With her cold nose and
furry smile, Freida was a Humane Society ambassador, devoted to our
pet visitation program. Volunteers and their pets visit 60 senior and
health care facilities island wide.

Reaching Out

Freida was trained as a guide dog for Vickie Kennedy, who is blind. In 2008, she began her second
career as a pet visitation ambassador. With her owners Vicky and Jim in tow, Freida diligently made
her rounds through St. Francis Hospice Centers and Queen’s Medical Center – bringing her aloha
for people to more than 3,000 patients. This year, Freida passed away and while her paws no longer
patter down the hospital hallways, her legacy lives on. Fifty volunteers and their pets are part of our
pet visitation program.
“To say that the Pet Visitation
Program does wonderful things is an
understatement,” said Jim Kennedy. “It
helps give love and happy distractions
to patients who are so down and
depressed, gives a loving animal some
added purpose, and it also brings such
incredible happiness and satisfaction to
us human volunteers to see the joy our
doggies can bring with a simple grin, a
lick of tears, a tail wag, or by just plain
being there.”

Lost pets never lose hope at the Humane Society
Losing your pet is heart breaking. When lost animals arrive at the Humane Society, they are
confused, disoriented and afraid. They may have lost their family but we don’t let them lose hope.
We helped reunite nearly 10% more animals with their
families this year. 3,225 pets found their way home.

Helping the Lost
Find their way home

In August 2010, 3,775 pets were microchipped during the
Humane Society’s Microchip Madness month. This partnership
with more than 20 veterinarians is a win-win for all. We supply
low-cost microchips to clinics to support pet identification. Microchipped pets who end up lost often
find their way home faster. And veterinarians have the opportunity to meet new pet owners and
educate them about health care needs.

The Humane Society is Oahu’s official lost and found and maintains the island’s database of
microchips. This year, 20,000 records were added. Pet owners need to keep their
contact information up to date with us.

10
10

Oahu’s only open-admissions shelter welcomes all
As Oahu’s only open-admissions shelter,
we believe there must be a place where
all animals are welcome.
Admissions spiked by 8% overall this year.
Dog arrivals increased by 12%.
We won’t turn any animal away for any
reason. We ensure that thousands of
homeless animals are kept from roaming
the streets struggling to survive. We
ensure that pets do not become neglected
at home when people have no time or no
way to care for them.
We are committed to finding every
healthy, adoptable animal a home.

Unusual admissions
What do a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig, bearded dragon and albino snake have in common? They all
found their way to our open-admission shelter.
As an amnesty drop off site, we welcome illegal, exotic animals and owners can surrender them to
us instead of releasing them in our neighborhoods. Our partnership with Animal Crime Stoppers
generates tips to help find illegal animals, and the State Department of Agriculture serves as our
partner for re-homing.
As for the 250-pound pig that took up residence in our puppy
pen for two weeks – she found a family in Waianae and has
become a spoiled celebrity in her neighborhood.

Given Shelter & Care

30,186

Cats

17,576

Dogs

9,770

Small Animals

2,840

11

Spay & neuter saves lives
Reducing euthanasia requires the entire communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vigilance to promote and practice spay and
neuter. Pet overpopulation is driven by too many litters and lack of affordable and accessible spay
and neuter options.
If all pet owners sterilized their pets and those feeding feral
cats used our spay and neuter services, together, we could
save more lives. All adoptable animals are sterilized as a
public service. This has been made possible largely due to
friends like you.

Saving Lives

Preventing unplanned litters

Since 1986, our partnership with the City & County of Honolulu for the Neuter Now program has
provided for reduced-rate spay and neuter services for owned animals. This year, the program sold
out within the first six months. It is paid for
almost entirely by the proceeds of certificates
bought by pet owners. Because the county has
not been able increase its allocation to this
program, we anticipate this program will only be
available 6 months out of the year.
While 7,247 animals were sterilized at the
Humane Society, thousands more were sterilized
outside of our program through the concerted
efforts of many animal welfare groups, animal
clinics, pet owners and colony caregivers island
wide, who share the conviction that spay and
neuter helps save lives.

The Humane Societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s veterinarian performs about 20 surgeries each day.

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12

More than 2,000 lives saved through foster care
Foster care enables those ineligible for adoption to qualify: the sick, the infant, and those that
struggle with behavioral issues. This year 2,147 animals were treated in foster care – a 43%
increase from the year prior. We aggressively expanded our foster care network to more than 500
providers.
We also foster for space. This year we noted a steep increase in admissions. Adoptions kennels that
would typically house a dog or two were holding as many as four. Cat House occupancy climbed
into the 90s in housing designed for about 40. Overcrowding can rapidly deteriorate health and
behavior in animals. So three times this year we struggled with high occupancy rates. And each
time the community rallied to help by providing temporary foster care.

Our position on euthanasia
As a community, we all share responsibility for Oahu’s euthanasia rate. The stray cat we feed but do
not fix. The pet shop where we buy a puppy. The accidental litter at home. So many of the choices
we make — and that our friends and family make — affect Oahu’s euthanasia rate. As Oahu’s only
open-admission shelter, it is our most controversial work and garners the greatest criticism.
Every Oahu shelter and every rescue group is making a profound difference in improving the lives
of animals. Each organization stands for a unique and valuable philosophy and mission. If there is a
singular phraseology that divides all of us who love animals, it is the term “no kill.” The truth is that
there is no such place as a “no kill” shelter. Limited admission organizations may turn unadoptable
animals away.
The Society’s goal is to successfully address overpopulation and to have euthanasia performed
when it is the only alternative to end an animal’s suffering. For animals that are suffering from
irreversible disease, injury or other infirmities, those that pose a safety threat, or those for which a
caring home cannot be found, euthanasia is the most humane alternative. Indefinite confinement,
isolation or indiscriminate placement are not acceptable alternatives.
We hope that you will find your role in actively helping us to reduce euthanasia. We are committed
to finding every adoptable pet a family.

13

A new era in government leadership
This year animal lovers welcomed the arrival of pet owners Mayor Peter Carlisle and Governor Neil
Abercrombie. In our survey of candidates this year, both agreed on many points. Both believe animal
companionship is important to quality of life. Both believe low-cost sterilization is critical to reducing
pet overpopulation. Both expressed interest in exploring a pilot program for an off-leash dog beach.

Putting dog fighters on notice
Thanks to your help, Hawaii now has stronger laws about dog fighting. A law went into effect July
1 that makes it a class C felony to bet on or attend a dog fight. The bill increases the penalty for
anyone who owns, trains, equips, arranges and sponsors dogfights to a maximum fine of $10,000
and includes imprisonment of up to five years. The bill also increases the prison term from two
years to 20 years for sponsoring, arranging and allowing a dogfight on a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s property â&#x20AC;&#x201D; or for
owning, training, transporting, possessing, selling or transferring dogs engaged in dog fighting. Fines
of up to $25,000 can result.
The Humane Society is offering a $5,000 reward for any tips that lead to the arrest and conviction
of dog fight promoters.

On the road, full speed ahead
Thanks to the generosity of the
Atherton Family Foundation, Cooke
Foundation, Armstrong Foundation
and Kamokila Campbell, the
Humane Society went mobile
this year with a new van that will
allow the Humane Society to
frequent more community events,
schools, organized group activities,
adoptions events and other special
functions.
The Humane Society produced or
participated in 41 events this year.

First responders in a disaster
Charitable gifts support more than 30 programs and services including our ongoing disaster
readiness efforts for Oahu. When Japanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s earthquake put Oahu on tsunami alert, our rescue and
response team stood ready to mobilize. We are the official partner with state and county civil
defense, HPD and firefighters to assist in all animal-related needs should disaster strike.

14
14

Moving on up
The dogs in care at the Humane Society have
upgraded living quarters since February 2011.
Vinyl fencing has replaced the chain link in
between kennels, which has dramatically
impacted the quality of life for the dogs in our
care. The solid fencing was installed to reduce
barking and territorial behavior.
Felines are also enjoying a new roof for the
Cat House thanks to Tropical Roofing and
Raingutters, Inc.

Saving more lives, thanks to Max’s Fund
This year, Max’s Fund empowered us to save 133 dogs that were suffering from conditions that were
beyond our resources to treat. Established by Larry and Patricia Rodriguez in honor their beloved
dog Max, this fund provides high-cost treatments that are outside our clinic service’s capabilities.
Supporters can designate gifts to this special fund that is just for dogs.
Life-saving care included services such as x-rays, orthopedic care for fractures and even treatments
for heartworms. Heartworms are deadly to dogs and totally preventable if owners administer
monthly preventative. We were able to save 112 dogs lives by curing heartworms with intensive care
and costly treatments.
Twenty-one dogs benefited from treatments for other serious conditions. Pono arrived as a stray with
broken hips and may have been hit by a car. While recovering, Pono’s foster care parent contacted
Laurel Leslie who had been mourning the loss of her dog who had died of cancer. It was love at first
sight. Pono has since fully recovered and enjoys long walks in the neighborhood, chewing slippers
and serving as Laurel’s faithful and constant companion.
Another beneficiary, Sammy, is a six-year-old Beagle discovered all
alone, huddling in a dingy corner of a wooden enclosure at a largescale breeder. He was suffering from severe mange, aggravated by
stress. He had lost his beautiful, multicolored coat, and his gray skin
was covered with open sores.
Despite his playfulness and affectionate demeanor, the older, shy
guy with a vision impairment was just not as easily placed as others.
Fortunately, Sammy’s foster parent Emily Tikhonenkov of Honolulu
adopted him. She was charmed by his mischievous spirit with the
way in which he hid toys, treats and even shoes in unusual places.

Our volunteers outnumber staff 10 to 1. They are not only
an extension of our 65-member workforce; they are our coworkers, our advocates and our ambassadors.
This year they worked more than 124,641 hours, a 120%
increase over the previous year.
Some volunteers fight
for the passage of
stronger laws. Others
Our work force, our life force
prefer to lead petfriendly hikes or comfort
the grieving who have
recently lost a pet. Some assist our veterinarian team while
we perform hundreds of sterilization surgeries a week.
While others prefer to walk dogs, train cats to sit or wash
dogs in need of a warm bath. Steve Czerniak of Wag and
Snap Photography donates his time taking by photos of our
adoptions animals and publications such as this report.

Volunteers

Our volunteers are the life force of our organization.
Rebecca Lee began volunteering in our
animal care clinic in 2008 and is now studying
zoology at Colorado State University. She has
logged more than 270 hours.

About Volunteering

More than 400 of the Humane Societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s volunteers are rarely at the shelter. Instead, their
gift of time and service is spent in the community at events, hospitals and senior care
centers and at home providing foster care.

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16

Igniting activism in youth
Student activism drives our mission into families island wide. This year we offered a vibrant
collection of youth education initiatives – from innovative service learning and programs for
teachers to shelter education
experiences, contests and more.
Our west Oahu teen outreach
program created waves of
activism throughout the Waianae
coast. Students hosted outreach
events, conducted a pet goods
drive, marched alongside humane
investigators in community parades,
held roadside rallies and more. Most
inspirational was Waianae’s peer-topeer outreach in which high school
students hosted art and writing
contests for elementary children
about animal welfare.
Our new Teens 4 Animals Summer
Experience was a six-week success.
Have fun. Help Animals. Create change. These were the goals of nearly 60 teens who shared the
summer with us. Teens distributed education materials and pet food to Waimanalo’s homeless
families. They led a social media campaign protesting wild animals in circuses. In addition, they
learned about the animal welfare
movement, activism, and humane
food choices. When they weren’t
working with the Humane Society’s
cats and dogs, they were out and
about in the community. They
produced animal welfare plays for
our friends in Mo‘ili‘ili and met with
retailers from Kahala to Kailua to
promote pet adoptions.

In our early days we protected children and found new families for them. In 1900, we launched
our first edition of Humane Educator, our newsletter dedicated to children’s education and
instilling humane values of compassion towards animals.

17

About Education

As an independent nonprofit organization that receives no funding from mainland animal welfare
organizations, our donors strengthen the human-animal bond and protect our animal ohana. Our
donors make miracles happen every day — without them, we wouldn’t be
able to do what we do. We are pleased to recognize the contributions of
friends who made financial contributions of $100 or more between July 1,
2010 and June 30, 2011.

*Hawaiian Humane Society administers the countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Neuter Now program at no cost.
This amount reimburses veterinarians for services provided.

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Our role in our island paradise
The Hawaiian Humane Society stands as a beacon in the community for
more than being good to animals. It’s about empowerment, stewardship
and leadership, as well as guiding citizens to balance compassion and
responsibility. These are the core values that our organization works to weave
into the fabric of every neighborhood and every community.
The Hawaiian Humane Society is a focal point for these values — and a
destination hub on an island that’s fast becoming a high-tech and low-touch
network of neighborhoods.
Our experience, which spans more than 50 years in Mo‘ili‘ili and more than
120 years on Oahu, is testament to how the Hawaiian Humane Society has
enriched the community.
97% of Oahu residents who were polled in 2008 by Ward Research believe
that animal companionship is imperative to their quality of life. And in the last
five years, the Humane Society has placed orphaned animals with more than
30,000 families. We’re not just shelter — we’re part of thousands of families.
Our off-leash dog park offers thousands of people a gathering place and
social outlet – a pau hana gathering place for those who share their lives with
dogs. And well-exercised and socialized dogs means quieter neighborhoods.
With more than 400 volunteers who regularly give their time and talents and
more than 1,500 who come to learn about our volunteer offerings every year,
the Humane Society offers the opportunity for people to make a difference in
their own community and give meaning to their lives.
The Humane Society also serves as a learning playground for animals and
people of all ages. Our education center offers thousands of young people a
chance to immerse in character and humane values development, leadership
training in animal welfare and careers, service learning, and to support their
higher education goals. And our pet training center allows new ways for
people and animals to bond.
We also host special events throughout the year that bring the community
together around a shared passion. Fairs, festivals and other celebrations offer
the community a place to celebrate the human-animal bond.
As pet ownership continues to climb to more than 60% of Oahu‘s homes,
there are more pets in residence than ever before. With an escalating
population there is also an increase in issues from stray animals, missing pets,
loose or barking dogs and other circumstances in which having a rescue,
investigation and response team in your community makes for safer and
happier neighborhoods.